How Much Does Car Insurance Cost Per Month in Washington State?
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How much does car insurance cost per month Washington state? Naturally, the average cost of car insurance is a significant concern for Washington state drivers, and determining average rates can help you budget more effectively. The good news is that cheap car insurance in Washington state is a possibility, especially if you have a clean driving record and a solid credit history. Another top tip is to take the time to seek out the best auto insurance rates.
Understanding Car Insurance Costs in Washington State
Washington state car insurance requirements require liability insurance at a minimum and many drivers choose to go beyond that. If you drive your car before purchasing mandatory insurance, you can be fined $550 and face other serious consequences.
The average cost of car insurance in Washington state is about $690 per year for minimum coverage and about $1,350 for full coverage, nearly 16% more than the national average for drivers, so it pays to do your research and find the most affordable coverage for your driving needs.
Factors That Influence Car Insurance Rates in Washington
How much car insurance costs per month in Washington state is influenced by factors such as:
- Age: Younger drivers are more expensive to insure due to lack of experience, although premiums tend to drop around age 25. Drivers age 75 and up will also pay more for comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, and other types of auto insurance.
- Location: Simply put, it is more expensive to drive in urban areas than rural ones due to increased crime, traffic incidents, and the cost of car repairs.
- Gender: Women are less likely to get in auto accidents and are therefore less expensive to insure.
- Driving history: Insurance companies pay attention to your driving record. If you have fault accidents on your record, you will likely pay for it.
Other factors that can influence the average monthly cost of car insurance in Washington state include marital status (if you're married, congratulations! You will likely enjoy a reduced car insurance premium) and the type of vehicle you drive. Some vehicles are more expensive to repair and more popular with car thieves, making them more expensive when it comes to auto insurance.
How Driving Record Impacts Your Premiums
Not surprisingly, your driving record will impact your car insurance premiums.
Everything from at-fault accidents to traffic violations to DUIs can impact what you pay each month for coverage car insurance. Fortunately, a clean driving record and taking a defensive driving class can help to reduce your monthly payments.
Choosing the Right Coverage Level for Your Needs
You may want to go beyond the minimum requirements to ensure the right coverage levels for your driving needs.
While bodily injury liability and property damage liability are mandatory, you can also choose to add some or all of the following:
- Collision insurance: This pays for damage to your car due to accidents or hitting a pothole.
- Comprehensive insurance: If your car is stolen or damaged due to weather incidents, hitting an animal, or vandalism, comprehensive insurance will cover damages.
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage: If you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, this type of insurance will protect you.
- Personal injury protection: This type of auto insurance will reimburse you for injuries caused by an accident.
How Your Vehicle Affects Insurance Rates in Washington
Interestingly, the car you drive will also impact your monthly insurance rates. While you might think a newer car would be less expensive to insure, the opposite is true. New cars are more expensive to fix and replace, thanks to the latest features and technology. However, you might score discounts if your car has the latest safety features and top safety ratings. Theft rates for your vehicle's make and model can also influence auto insurance rates.
Finally, your annual driving mileage can also make an impact. If you don't drive a lot, you are less likely to get in an accident, which can support lower insurance premiums.
Washington State-Specific Car Insurance Requirements
In Washington state, you must have the following car insurance at a minimum, although many drivers choose to add additional coverage:
- $25,000 of bodily injury liability or death of one person in any one accident
- $50,000 of bodily injury or death of any two people in a single accident
- $10,000 of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident
Tips for Finding Affordable Car Insurance in Washington
You can find affordable car insurance in Washington state by doing your research and comparing car insurance quotes side by side online. Insurance prices can change daily, so it pays to take the time to examine various quotes and options to ensure you have the coverage that you and your family need. Rather than taking the first offer, make sure you are getting affordable coverage that suits your driving habits.
Get Personalized Car Insurance Quotes Today
Visit EverQuote today to get custom quotes for car insurance and discover ways to save on monthly premiums. Auto insurance quotes can change daily, so regular research can help you save even more. Getting a custom insurance comparison is always free and always a good idea!